Ukraine, Georgia to restore ferry service

The Ukrainian shipping company Ukrferry has said that a ferry service lasting about 60 hours will be restored between Ukraine and Georgia.

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, the ferry service to Georgia had been shut down, Caliber.Az reports, referring to Ukrainian media. 

However, according to the schedule, the first voyage from Chornomorsk is already scheduled for July 2. The route will be operated by the Kaunas car-railway/passenger ferry, built in 1989 in Germany.

The ferry has 250 passenger seats in cabins of different classes: deluxe, junior suite, double and triple cabins equipped with all amenities. There is a restaurant, a bar, a lounge area, a lounge with video and satellite TV, and a children's corner.

"The vessel's high seaworthiness and its impressive dimensions (length - more than 190 m, width - 28 m) allow minimising rocking even in stormy conditions. Two cargo decks can simultaneously take on board 49 universal railway wagons and 50 heavy TIR trucks," the report said.

The ferry service between Ukraine and Georgia was suspended due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia that began on February 24, 2022. The Black Sea became a war zone following the invasion. There was a significant risk to civilian vessels from military activity, including mines and potential attacks.

The Ukrainian port cities, especially Odesa where Chornomorsk is located, faced significant disruption due to the war. This likely impacted Ukrferry's ability to operate effectively.

Additionally, the general economic instability caused by the war would have discouraged travel for leisure or business.